ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS OF NEONATAL SEPSIS AMONG NEONATES ADMITTED TO NEONALTAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT OF ST. PAUL’S HOSPITAL MILLENNIUM MEDICAL COLLEGE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Neonatal sepsis is one of the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. Socio-demographic, maternal, neonatal and medical factors were associated with risk of infection. The clinical signs and symptoms of neonatal sepsis are nonspecific and the confirmation of diagnosis is challenging and time consuming. Therefore, the diagnostic approach should depend up on consideration of risk factors. Objective: - To assess risk factors of neonatal sepsis among neonates admitted to NICU of SPHMMC. Methodology: An institution based retrospective documentary review study design was used to assess associated risk factors of neonatal sepsis among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of SPHMMC from September 11, 2016 to February 7, 2018. Sample size was calculated by using single population proportion formula. Study subject were selected using systematic random sampling method, and adopted data collection tool were used. Data was checked for completeness and clarity and analysis was made using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21.3. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression were used. The degree of association was calculated using odds ratio with 95% CI. P-value less than 0.05 were considered as significance level for associations between dependent and independent variables. Result: the overall prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 18.9% with mortality rate of 14.9% from total admission (4843) of neonates in the past one year and six months. Prematurity (<37wees) [AOR =7.727; (2.150-27.767)] were identified as the possible risk factors for the occurrence of early onset neonatal sepsis. It also pointed out that pre term neonates have 86% less chance to develop late onset neonatal sepsis than preterm neonates (AOR=0.136; 95%CI 0.038-0.487; p value= 0.002) Conclusion: The present study had identified prematurity as a major risk factor for early onset neonatal sepsis. So measures that reduce preventable causes of preterm delivery need to be taken as to reduce the occurrence of early onset neonatal sepsis. Keyword: Neonatal sepsis, neonates, associated factors,